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Ivan Zhakata Arts Correspondent
JAMAICAN dancehall maestro Chris Martin real name Christopher Oteng Martin delivered an explosive performance during Freeman’s album launch entitled, “David and Goliath”.
The Weeping Willow tree, popularly known as the crying tree at Alex Sports Club’s entrance ,could not hold its tears as the Jamaican star put on a grand performance that stole the limelight.
People came in droves, spotting the latest designer labels, some driving posh cars at the upmarket Alex Sports Club which they turned into a mini Madison Square Garden where international artistes perform to thousands of people.
The venue was too small for the decorated artiste and got packed to the brim. Some people failed to get in.
Braai and booze characterised the scene with money magnets showing off, bragging of their fat pockets and perceived affluence.
Young adults acted wildly with boys clad in skinny jeans, designer muscle tops, loafers, spotting expensive jewellery while most girls were donning “short” miniskirts and bum shorts.
The elderly, some with their families, were seated in the VVIP section where they received a five-star treatment.
While glitz and glamour characterised the night, the situation was heated too.
Fights and public indecency which landed some revellers behind bars threatened to dull the event.
Freeman HKD Boss whose real name is Energy Sylvester Chizanga took the stage around 12 midnight and put out a grand performance that left the crowd hungry for more.
The Zimdancehall chanter proved that he is indeed one of people’s favourite musicians as they could be seen singing along to his music.
He sang songs such as “Interview”, “Gomba”, “Ngaibake”, “Unobvuma Here”, “Pombi”, Robbery” and “Shaina Mwana Iwe” among others before sampling songs in his new album.
Clad in black jeans and a white T-shirt, Chris took the stage around 2am joining Freeman on their duet titled “Zimbabwean Queen” which put the fan into frenzy.
He sang started with the most popular song “Mi Friend Dem” before chanting other songs which included “Cheater’s Prayer”, “Messenger”, “Paper Loving”, Pirate of the Caribbean”, “Let her Go”, Is it Love” and “Look on my Face” which entertained the crowd.
The 30 minutes which were given to the Jamaican singer to perform were not enough for the crowd and he had to extend as the crowd kept on begging for more.
Other artistes including Leo Magoz, Nyasha David, Stunner, Mbeu, SiantFloew, Bazooker and Pumacol also entertained the crowd.
It was a hive of activity at Alex Sports Club as people loosened up and took the dancefloor, in a frenzy and heightened fashion and appeared to be racing against time.
Both headline acts Chris Martin and Freeman later the following day thanked their fans on social media after a successful event.
The Joina City hit maker said it was a milestone for him and was surprised and shocked at the same time with the overwhelming response by the fans, first soon after releasing the album on social media a day before the show then appreciating them after the show.
“I am speechless Zimbabwe! You made me proud yesterday (Saturday) with the unconditional love that you showed me. I don’t even know how to thank you,” he posted on his page.
“David and Goliath. Firstly I would like to thank all the partners that we worked with during this launch. Pasina imimi haaaaa yesterday would have been something else (Without your support, they event could be something else). From the bottom of my heart and all the gallis out there, thank you for trusting in the brand ‘FREEMAN HKD’.”
The visiting superstar concurred with Freeman and also took it to his social media to thank the love from Zimbabweans.
“A far mi a come from suh mi Prada miself? Post da pic ya inna mi story and dem seh kotch e pon e page a lie.
“I am in Mama Africa . . . Maita Basa Zimbabwe. #Chibaba #Guaranteed,” said Chris Martin
Online Reporter